A major industrial fire in Commerce consumed a large portion of a recycling plant and kept first responders busy all weekend.
The fire began around 3:42 p.m. on Friday afternoon, July 14, at Quick Site on Industrial Park Drive. When crews first arrived on the scene, Banks County Fire Chief Steve Nichols says there was “a large amount of fire showing.”
“The fire was started on the outside wall and had extended to the building,” he says. “Fire consumed three of the five buildings on site before it was contained.”
Several buildings in the complex sustained heavy damage.
“We had the fire contained and under control early Saturday morning. We have been removing debris and digging through the building to uncover and extinguish all the hot spots,” says Nichols. “As of this afternoon (Monday, July 17), we have declared the fire out. We will be on scene to monitor the building until Thursday, at which time we expect the investigation to be completed and will release the scene back to the property owner.”
Investigators with the Banks County Fire Department, State Fire Marshal’s Office, and other agencies are investigating the cause of the fire.
Four firefighters were overcome by heat exhaustion while battling the blaze. Emergency personnel treated them on the scene.
Jackson County Correctional Institute’s fire department assisted Banks County crews, along with the Commerce and Bold Springs fire departments.
